Match holder



May 14, 1935. R. s. PULLEN 2,001,264

MATCH HOLDER Filed July 13, 1953 Patented May 14, 1935 2,001,264 7 MATCH HOLDER Rodney S. Pullen, Akron,

Pullenlite Company, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application July 13, 1933, Serial No. 80,249

11 Claims.

My invention relates to match holders, and particularly to holders for packets which contain matches adapted to light upon withdrawal from the packets.

A purpose of my invention is to support a match packet of the pull-and-light variety by means extending between the folds of the packet.

A further purpose is to introduce a supporting tongue between the folds of a packet of matches adapted to light on withdrawal, and to extend the tongue transversely of the matches in contact with the fold between the bottom and the side of the match packet, so that pull upon'the match sticks for the purpose of withdrawal will not dislodge the packet. V

A further purpose is to support a match packet against movement laterally of the matches and in the direction of the stick-ends of the matches by a tongue extending between the folds of the packet, and, desirably also, to support the packet v against movement in the direction of the head ends of the matches by a plate engaging the bottom of the packet spaced from the tongue.

A further purpose is to hold a plurality of match packets in generally parallel relation by spaced,

generally parallel, tongues extendingbetween the V folds of the respective packets.

A further purpose is to support a pull-and-light match packet by resilient means, so that, when a match is withdrawn, the packet will be resiliently pulled away from the match while the match is being pulled out of the packet, thus giving a higher resultant striking velocity.

A further purpose is to support a packet for.

matches which ignite upon withdrawal by suction-gripping means, so as to permit attachment to any suitable object, whether horizontal or otherwise, such as a desk top, window, automobile windshield, etc., and ignition of the matches by simply pulling on the ends of the match sticks.

A further purpose is to pivotally connect the base of a match holder with the portion of the device which grips the match packet, so that the ends of the matches may be directed at any one of a plurality of angles with respect to the base.

A further purpose is to hold a match packet in a selected one of a plurality of possible angular positions by pressure of a resilient abutment.

Further purposes will appear in the specification and in the claims. g

I have chosen to illustrate one only of the possible devices in which my invention might be embodied, selecting the form shown primarily from the standpoint of cheapness and satisfac- Ohio, assignor to tory operation, but. also because it illustrates the principles involved without unnecessary, complication, and without, involving the reader in te-' dious details. I Figure ,1 is a perspective view of my improved match holder containing two packets of pull-andlight matches. Figure 1a is a fragmentary perspective view corresponding to Figure 1.

Figure 2 is a central longitudinal section of the device of my invention, with two match packets illustrated for placement purposes.

Figure 2a is a fragmentary enlargement of Figure 2, with a typical packet in place.

Figure Figure 4 corresponds toFigure 2, but shows the match packets in a difierent angular position with respect to the base. 7

Figurefi is a top plan View of the blank from which one part of my holder may be made.

Figure 6.is a section corresponding to part of Figure 2, but showing match packets of the type of my Patent No. 1,694,864, granted December 11, 1928.

3 is a section of FigureZ upon the line 3-3.

In the drawing like numerals refer to like parts. .7 a

I intend my improved holder to be used with ,match packets which ignite the match while it is being withdrawn from the holder. Such 1,782,074, granted November 18, 1930, and in my applications, Ser. Nos. 569,631, filed October 19,

filed August 20, 1932;

The specific detail of the pull-and light match packet is not important to my invention, and therefore I have not described'the match packets in great detail, -merely referring to my earlier developments for general information as to the type of match packet involved. The'match packets i5 comprise matches l6 arranged in a row andpositioned by a wrap ll which is folded about thematches, and allows the match sticks to extend through openings Hit The interior of the wrap is provided with suitably located matchstriking material for igniting the .matches:when* they are withdrawn by a longitudinal pull exerted by the user, who grasps 'thesti'ck'ends 20 19:41; 587,563, filed January 19, 1932 and1 629,708,

of the matches, beyond the top 19 of the packet.

match packets are shown in my Patent No. 1,694,864, granted December '11, 1928 and No.

It will be evident that fastening means may extend through the outer side layer or fold 2|, or adhesive may be applied to the inner surface of the outer layer. or fold 2!, provided the attachment or adhesive does not extend over the full lengthof the packet, or canbe easily broken over part of the length of the. packet.

At the lower end of" the outer side layer orfold 21 of the packet, there is normally afolded corner or edge 23, at which theouter side layer or fold 2i joins the bottom 24 of the packet.

Usually the packets of pull-and-light variety are provided with flap extensions 25, to protect the stick ends of the matches. In the case of insertion of the matches into a holder, it is desired a that the stick ends 20 be accessible, and accord ingly the flap extensions 25.. may desirablybe folded down out of the way.

. My novel holder comprises generally 7 three .parts the grippingmechanism 26 which engages and. holds the match packets, the base 2'lwhich s'upp',orts the gripping mechanism, and the connection 28" between the gripping mechanismv 26 and the base .21.

Y type of match packet'between its folds,

Itwill, be evident that'thegripping mechanism 26 may be used with'any type'of base or with any connection between the base and. the gripping mechanism, although the specialform of ,base shownhas peculiar advantages.

The primary operating memberof the gripping mechanism 26 is a tongue 29, desirably consisting of sheet metal, and preferably considerably wider than' it is thick. The tongue 29 is suitably supported atits base 353, but is otherwise 'free from support both at its'top edge 3| and at its lower edge 32, so that it may extend into the and preferably between the outer side layer or fold 2| and the interior portion of the packet 22, as shown in The tongue 29, being preferably of prevents the match packet from rocking laterally and thus supports the matches against lateral movement. The lower edge 32 of the tongue 29 preferablyengages the interior oithe fold line 23 between the outer side layer or flap 2| and the bottom 24 of the packet, thus preventing longitudinal movement of the packet toward the stick ends 20 of the .matches when a pull isapplied to the stick ends to withdraw one or more matches. Thespreading action exerted by the tongue 29' also increases [the pressure on the match striking surfaceof the packet, and thus causesmore positive match igni- Figure 1..

considerable width,

tion'when the matches 'are withdrawn. Likeface to which the suction-gripping means is applied,=while in Figure 4 therubber abutment engages the stop 'angularly disposed with respect to the surface 'to'which the suction-grippingmeans is' applied. V Shiftingfrom the position of'Fi'gure 2 to that of wise,the tongue 29 provides a firmer background for the match striking surface; 7 g

" .Foreasy insertion of the match packet into the holder, the forward ends of the tongue 29 are curvedat 33.

In the form of drawing, 1 show 30 are supported by an which is bent up from a extends across the bottom of the tongues sublst'antially parallel to the lower edges 32 of the tongues. The tongues 29 are substantially parallel to one anotherand are separated from the bottom plate 35 by a narrow slit 36 which receives thebottom 24 of the match packet.

The bottom plate 35 prevents; movement of the "match acket toward the head ends of the .matches, since it holds the bottom 24 of the match.packet close against the lower edge 32 of the tongue. While ,it would be HOSSibIQtO obtain much of the advantage o'f' my'invention without my holder illustrated in the two tongues 29 whose bases intermediate portion 34 bottom plate 35 which the'use of the bottom plate 35, I consider it desirable for most uses.

In order to assist in still further gripping of the lower end of the packet, I provide extensions 3'5, bent up at right angles from the bottom plate 35 and slightly outside the tongues 29. The extensions 31 prevent the possibility of shifting of the fold-line at-23-or crumplingof the outer side layer or fold 2| when the matchesarewithdrawn,

The packet-gripping means could, as I have already noted, be mounted upon a base of any suitable type.

However, I much prefer touse a base having suction-gripping means as shown because such means provides attachment between the match holder and the adjoining structure which prevents bodily movement of the match holder when an'eifort is made to withdraw a match. Were it not for'the suction-gripping means, the match ,holder would either require physical attachment 'to adjoiningstructure, or would have to be rather heavy, as considerable force :is exerted 'whena match is withdrawn; The suction-gripping means also assists in strikinga match, as

will be later explained, and permits the-use of the match holder in'pla'ces where it could not otherwise be employed, such as attaching-to vertical surfaceslike windows or automobile windshields; and securing'in places'where it otherwise would-be knocked off, such as desk tops, chair arms, etcz The base rubberandconsists of ahead 38 and annular resilient suction-gripping flanges 39 cupped'to leave a space 4!} beneaththe flanges'when the suction-gripping means is pressedagainst a flat object; Theflflat lower surface of the head 38 is coated with gumgor other suitable adhesive The attachment-between the packet-gripping mechanism 26'andthe} base 2'I-may be made in a variety of ways; but I prefer to permit angular shifting'ofthe match packets with respect-to the base; and thereforepivotfthe packet-gripping "mechanism upon the providedby'ears 4t base.- Thepivotal action is V bent down from the bottom plate 35, and carrying, pressed out from the ears, pivot-balls42 which-seat in-recesses 43in the head 38of'the rubber-base. The top of the head 38"has'aplurality of 'rubber abutments 44, 45

and; any one of which may engage a stop 41 between the ears 4i: Thus in Figure 2 rubber abutment 45*engages the stop 4'! and thematch packets extend directly outwardly from the sur- 41; andthe match packets are Figure 4 is easy,-since the rubber abutmentsare resilient and yield to-permit the stopto pass matches until theend of the match packettouches the intermediate portion 34- ofathe holder... :Re-

2'! whichlshowis-preferably of soft 1 versal of this process will remove an empty packet to permit substitution of a new packet.

The application of a match holder to a surface to which it is to be attached is accomplished simply by pressing the holder toward the surface so as to flatten outzthe suction gripping flanges 39 and expel air from the cupped space 40. Subsequent resilient curvingof the suction-gripping flanges 39 due to the tendency of the rubber to restore the cupped shape of the flanges reduces the air pressure in the cupped space 40,- and external air pressure holds the suction-gripping flanges against the surface to which they have been applied. I find that the leakage of air is sufiiciently slow so that a properly made suction-gripping device will hold upon a smooth surface (such as a glass window or desk top) for a period of weeks.

In order to prevent or decrease air leakage into the'cupped space 40, the gum at 39? should preferably be moistened, just before the suctiongripper is applied, to softenthe gum. The gum (or other adhesive) assists in sealing the fiat lower surface of the suction-gripper to the surface upon which it is applied. The gum also fills small irregularities in the surface, such as pores in wood, and prevents leakage due to such irregularities. In addition the gum serves an'adhesive function.

When the gummed suction-gripper is properly applied, the bracket will stand much abuse, and retain its position for long periods on glass, metal, wood, etc.

During withdrawal of the matches by longitudinally pulling on the stick ends 20, a peculiar effect is observed which greatly enhances the value of the suction-gripping means. While the match is being withdrawn, the first important action of the suction-gripping meansis to resist the pull upon the match and prevent change in position of the match holder. As the match holder 7 is light, it would be impossible to withdrawa match with one hand in many instances were it not for the tendency of the suction-gripping means to hold the match holder in the position in which it has been set. This feature of my invention is particularly applicable to use in auto- 'mobiles and in offices, where people frequently desire to strike a match while one hand is occupied upon some other purpose, such as driving a car, holding a telephone receiver, etc.

Besides the mere holding function which I have just described, the suction-gripping means assists in actual match striking. The match packets of the pull-and-light type are constructed so as to prevent withdrawal of the match until a considerable force has been exerted, so as to prevent the possibility that a match will be moving too slowly, when it passes over the match-striking material, to ignite the match head.

During the initial part of the pull when a match is withdrawn, therefore, the suction-gripping means resiliently yields, increasing the size of the cupped space 40 and allowing the match holder to move for a short distance toward the direction of pull. When the match begins to withdraw, the pull upon the match holder decreases, and the suction-gripping means draws the match packet rapidly away from the direction of pull.

Thus it will be evident that, at the time that the match head is moving over the match-striking material, the match is moving away from the packet due to the pull of the user and the packet is moving away from the match due to the resilient return of the suction-gripping means to 13 its initial position. There-is thus a highly desirable increased relative speed of movementbetween the match head and the match-striking surface, which gives a surer match-strikingaction when the match packet than has been possible has been rigidly held.

It will be evident that the resilient weenie:

the suction-gripping means maybe applied to other types invention, and that my improved match packet holder may base than the rubber base shown. It will also be evident that the pivotal connection between the packet-gripping mechanism and the base is optional,. although it is convenient, since it makes the packet'more adaptable.

Considerable variety is possible in the type of match packet to be used. In Figure 6' I show match packets united by metal" bales 48, and hav-, 1 ing the match head exposed at the sides at 49,

whereas in the other packets shown, the sides are entirely enclosed; In each case, one fold or flap is separable from the remainder of the packet for insertion of the tongue 29.

In view of my invention and disclosure varia-- tions and modifications to meet individual whim or particular need will doubtless become evident to others skilled in the art,'to obtain-all or part of the benefits of my invention without copying the structure shown, and I, therefore, claim all of match packet holders within my 10' be used with some other form of such in so far as they fall within the reasonable spirit and scope of my invention;

Havingthus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire Patent is: g

1. In a match holder, a base, a pair of laterally spaced generally parallel tongues secured to the base at opposite sides thereof and each adapted.

to enter between the folds of apacket of matches which light on withdrawal, a plate integral with and at substantially right angles'to the base, said plate extending below the tonigues, generally parallel tothe lower edge of the tongues and spaced from the tongues to hold the bottoms of match packets and extensions, one from-- either side of the plate, parallel to the tongues and spaced from the tongues to follow the edges of the packets. d

2. In a match holder, a rubber base having annular resilient cupped suction-gripping flanges,

a plate secured to the base, and a tongue secured to-one end of the plate, spaced from the plate and extending in a direction longitudinally of the plate, whereby the plate supports the bottom of a packet of matches which light on withdrawal and the tongue enters between the folds of the packet.

to secure by Letters 3. In a match holder, a rubber base having annular resilient cupped suction-gripping flanges and a plurality of rubber abutments, a tonguev adapted to enter between the folds of a packet of matches which light on withdrawal, means pivotally connecting the tongue and the rubber base and a stop engaging the abutments and holding the tongue in a selected pivotal position by the resilience of one of the rubber abutments.

- 4. In a match holder, a rubber base having annualr resilient suction-grippingfianges and a plurality of rubber abutments, a plate having transversely extending ears pivotally connected to the base and having a stop between the ears engaging successive rubber abutments, and a pair of tongues parallel to and spaced from one another, secured at one end to the plate and exsuccessive rubber l tending with their edges, nearest to the p1'a'te,ipara match is pulled base is stretched resiliently begins to travelthe base reacts to increase the a relative speed of match travel across the ignition material. t

allel toand'in spaced relation to the: plate, each adaptediito receive and support a packet *iOf matoheswhichigniteion withdrawal.

5. A match-packet*havingljmatches retarded against withdrawal and when theretardation-is overcome .withdrawable longitudinally past ig- -nition material,- to light for the t packet holding the -mat ches in position the I matches, fir holder for withdrawal longitudinally anda base for the holder uniting its-resiliently in the direction of pull;of the matches-to a support; whereby as the base is stretched, away from its support until the retardation of amatch in the packet begins to be 'overcprne and then the packet recedes toward thesupp'ort at the same time the match is ,w1thdrawn -from the packet, Q a. 6. A .match packet having; matches retarded holder uniting it resiliently in the direction of pull oi the matchesto asupportwhereby as .a

match is pulled the? base isstretched resiliently away from its supportuntil the retardation of the match in the packet is-overcome and then the packet recedes toward the support at the same time the match'is withdrawn from the packet.

'7. A holder' for a match packet of the retarded pull and light type adapted to present the matches of vthe packetllongitudinally. perpendicularly with respect to :a'support and a base for the holder securing it to the support and resilient longitudinallyof the matches whereby with pull upon the matches againstthei-r retardation the and when :the match 8.- In a matchpacket of the-strike on withdrawal variety, folds makinga cover for the packet, ignition'material within thepacket,- in combination with a holder for supporting-the 1 packet having ,a tongue enteringtransversely to the length of the matches-between the folds of the packet, a base secured to'the'holder, for supporting-the'packetina position of withdrawal ling first alretarding ac from the base to provide a space a match is'pulledfrom the packet.

'aoorgeea -movement longitudinally of the matches; the base being resilient away from its support andmaustionias the baseis stretched and latera snap action of armatch head with respect to theignition material as the match; leaves thepacket and the resilient base is contracted. I

9. A' *match" packet comprising a row of matches adapted to be lighted upon withdrawal from; thepacket, and a wrap around the packet ,in oombination-witha match packet holder comprising a base, f the packet secured to the base extending from atonglue projecting into one side one side of the base across the base and separated for alayer of the packetbetween the tongue and the base when lthetongue is withinthe outer fold of the packet and resilient pneumatic'rneans spaced om-the'tong ueand adapted to support-the bottom'j'of. the packetfrom movement laterally of:

the'tongue, holding the packet andproviding resiliehcy between thesuDpOrt and packetwhen row -of matches adapted to be-lighted upon withdrawal x10. A match packet comprising a ,iromthe packet, and a Wrap around the packet in combination with a match packet holder comprising-a base, a tongueof relatively thinmetal,

substantially wider than its thickness, said tongue penetrating the-wrap of the packet in a direction transverse to the matches and supporting the packet against movement toward the stick ends of'the'matches and laterally of the matches, and resilient suction meansifor sup- 7 :orting thejbase of the tongue providing resiliency when a match is' withdrawn from the packet. 1

yll. A imatch packet comprising a row of 'niatohes adapted to'be lightedupori withdrawal from the packetand 'a wrap around thejpacket incombination'. with a match packet holder-comprising avtongue of relatively thin metal,.substantially wider than its thicknesspenetrating the wrap of the pull-*and-light match packet in a direction transverse tothe matches and sup- :porting the packet against movement toward the stick ends of the matches and laterally of the matches and suction-gripping-meansior supporting the packet against movement toward the heads of the matches, upon withdrawal of the matches. a V 1 a RODNEY S.-PULLEN. 

